How To Get Through The First 30 Days Of Your 30’s

You know what you ought to do before you turn 30 (1, 2, 3, 4), but what do you do afterward? Believe it or not, life doesn’t magically come into focus the second that you’re no longer 20-something. Creating the life you want in your 30’s takes work. To make the transition into your new decade as smooth as possible, here are a few tips for navigating those first 30 days.Day 1: Celebrate
It’s your birthday! Celebrate the way you want — go away for the weekend, have a big blow-out with all your friends, or share a bottle of champagne over an intimate dinner with your sweetie. On the morning of my 30th birthday, I woke up early, hopped on my bike, and watched the sun rise over the beach. I took a few moments to think about what I’d accomplished so far, what I was thankful for, and the goals I had for my 30’s. Then I snapped a photo just as the sun peeked out over the horizon, and thanked God those turbulent 20’s were behind me for good.

Days 2 – 7: Indulge a Little
I hope you drank a lot of water the night of your birthday celebration. You’ll quickly discover that hangovers are far worse in your 30’s than they ever were in your 20’s. So get in the habit of downing a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you drink. In the meantime, to cope with any anti-climactic, post-birthday blues you may have during the first week of your 30’s, schedule an indulgence or two. Get a massage, treat yourself to a facial, buy yourself a late birthday gift (preferably something sexy and fun).

Days 8 – 15: Set Goals
In the second week of your 30’s, take the time to sit down and write your goals for this new decade. Now that you’re free of all those burdensome issues and anxieties of your 20’s, it’s time to get serious about making the mark you want to leave on the world and create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Research shows that writing down goals is the first important step in achieving them because it forces one to visualize, commit, and make a plan. Be specific about your goals and write them in the positive (“I will,” instead of “I want” or “I might”).

Days 16 – 23: Get a Physical
You may not want to hear it or think about it, but as awesome as it is to be 30, your body is aging. This is the decade you’re really going to start noticing it and feeling it. Risks for a number or diseases and ailments increase dramatically in your 30’s, so schedule a physical with your doctor this week and discuss what you need to know about your body and how to keep it as healthy as you can for as long as possible.

Days 24 – 26: Create a New Beauty Routine
A great way to continue looking and feeling young in your 30’s is to adjust your beauty routine. Right around my 30th birthday, my red hair started fading, so I started dyeing it, which immediately brightened my complexion and boosted my self-confidence. In addition to hair color, skin care should be a big concern in your 30’s. If you aren’t already, be sure to wear sunscreen every single day (even in the winter!), and remember that moisturizer is key to keeping aging skin supple and smooth. The skin around your eyes is getting especially sensitive; invest in a good eye cream and apply it every day. And, for the love of God, if you aren’t already washing your face every night before bed, make that a top priority! Take a couple of days to go through your beauty products and ensure you have the tools you need to head into your 30’s gracefully.

Days 27 – 29: Create a New Fitness Routine
In addition to a beauty regimen, you’ll need to create a 30-something fitness routine. You may have gotten away with skimping on the workouts in your 20’s, but if you aren’t exercising at least three to five times a week in your 30’s, your body’s going to suffer. It’s one of the cruel facts of life that as our world expands, so do our asses. If the thought of going to a gym sends you reeling, sign up for some fun classes designed to keep you flexible and in shape while you blow off some steam. I started taking hula hoop classes not too long after I turned 30. Now, at 32, I’m about to take my first swing dance lesson. The important thing to remember is that exercise isn’t some kind of punishment; it can be a pleasure.

Day 30: Have Some Fun
It’s been a month since you turned 30, and if you’re like most women, you’re realizing this decade is going to be so much better than the last one. Besides having more financial and career stability, you’re a sexier, more confident, determined version of your 20-something self. Go out and have some fun today! You’ve earned it.

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